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Association of physical activity level during pregnancy with preterm birth and infant adiposity: longitudinal

Yamuna Ana1,2, Floor A van den Brand3, Onno C P van Schayck3

  • 1Department of Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Limburg The Netherlands.

Sport Sciences for Health
|September 8, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Sedentary behavior during pregnancy is linked to increased preterm birth risk and higher infant adiposity markers up to one year. Maintaining moderate physical activity is crucial for healthy pregnancy outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Physical activity during pregnancy impacts birth outcomes, but associations with sedentary behavior remain unclear.
  • Understanding the link between maternal sedentary behavior and infant health is critical for public health initiatives.
  • Previous research has not fully elucidated the long-term effects of sedentary behavior during gestation on offspring adiposity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between sedentary behavior during pregnancy and preterm birth.
  • To examine the relationship between maternal sedentary behavior and infant adiposity at birth, 14 weeks, and one year of age.
  • To provide evidence supporting recommendations for physical activity levels during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study involving 1315 pregnant women.
  • Assessment of physical activity using a validated questionnaire.
  • Infant anthropometric measurements (weight, length, circumferences, skinfolds) collected at multiple time points.
  • Multivariable regression models adjusted for potential confounders to analyze associations.

Main Results:

  • 7.1% of participants exhibited sedentary behavior during pregnancy.
  • Sedentary behavior was significantly associated with a higher incidence of preterm birth (OR=1.43, p=0.041).
  • Significant associations were found between sedentary behavior and infant adiposity markers, including hip circumference at 14 weeks (OR=2.53, p=0.007) and sum of skinfold thickness at one year (OR=1.53, p=0.024).

Conclusions:

  • Sedentary behavior during pregnancy is significantly linked to increased risk of preterm birth.
  • Maternal sedentary behavior is associated with elevated infant adiposity markers from birth through the first year of life.
  • Findings emphasize the importance of promoting moderate physical activity during pregnancy for improved maternal and child health outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
AnthropometryBirth cohortDelivery gestational ageObesityPhysical activity

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